Why Indian women can excel in combat roles
The recent decision of the Indian Army to allow women in combat roles can be held as a step towards gender equality.
It will help in shattering the glass ceiling in defence at a time the Indian woman is still entangled in the shackles of patriarchal norms prevalent in our society. Even in the 21st century, either the wings of a woman are clipped at a tender age or the barriers to breach the hegemony of men are set too high.
This progressive step will help give women their due position and rights, which will ultimately help in elevating their position in the social hierarchy and send out a powerful social message so women are not seen as fragile, or as a burden, but as role models and torchbearers.
With respect to the economic aspect, it will open up more opportunities for employment for women in one of the biggest organised sectors. It will also cater to the prevalent, skewed power dynamics. Hence, this step can play a big role in achieving an equal society where fortunes and privileges are not determined by the accident of birth.
The honour (un)killing
One of the common reasons given to justify this gendered ban in combat roles is the aftermath of a woman becoming the prisoner of war. Torture will be inflicted upon her, but the worry of the nation is not the physical pain. Rather, it is the sexual abuse that we are afraid of, which sends chills down the spines of our cumulative conscience. Even men share the eventuality.
Why is the honour of a country, society and home the sole responsibility of a woman? Sadly, this honour is narrowly defined. We are very much concerned about her "honour" at the frontier but ironically, this "honour" remains intact when women are subjected to brutalities within the boundary of the country, society and home.
A woman is safe nowhere, in fact she is more vulnerable at home, and among the people she actually knows and trusts. Or one can wonder if the reason behind barring women in combat roles is the brazen machismo of our conscience and culture which sees only a man as the protector and a woman as the helpless creature who will only be safe under the guard of a man.
The argument of vigour
Combat is not solely about physical strength. Even in this context, we cannot map women at a lower scale. Nobody is born sturdy. Strength can be nurtured with proper nutrition and training. In fact, in today's world, with tremendous inventions and innovations in warfare, weapons and tactics, a whole new set of skills has taken precedence.
It demands adaptability, agility, discipline, quick thinking, dexterity, teamwork and leadership qualities, which can be acquired equally by both men and women.
There are many countries which have already allowed women in combat roles, including Canada, US, Germany, France, Israel et al. We also have many examples in Indian history like Chand Bibi, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Captain Lakshmi Sahgal and innumerable other women revolutionaries who played a significant role during our freedom struggle.
Their commitment, valour and audacity have served as an inspiration for generations but it's a pity that our women were hitherto not allowed to follow in their footsteps.
What about a woman's rights?
Anyhow, a woman will be entering in combat with all the information and possible consequences necessary for the job. To rob her off the opportunity to prove her mettle in the battlefield is a grave attack on her rights and potential.
She has enough mental and emotional capability to decide the course of her future. We should get away from this paternalistic attitude where we decide what is good for a woman and then impose dictates on her, without considering her views and choices.
Stop trampling upon her dreams and aspirations. Why refrain women from dying for their country, why is such satisfaction and glory reserved for men alone? Why are women kept away from it?
The time has come when we should give women their fair share in every sphere, where her choices are not restricted by our regressive and constrictive mentality.
She is well aware and well informed to take decisions at the battlefield. The battle of sexes should not overpower the battle at the front.
When a woman combats at every stage of her life since birth till death, why not at the border?